Discover tender salmon bites marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of soy, honey, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic. The savory flavor infuses each piece, producing a delightful experience when paired with rice and steamed broccoli. This vibrant dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors sure to enchant every palate.

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I recently discovered this awesome Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites recipe and it’s become my go-to for a quick, healthy dinner. I love that it’s packed with nutritional value from the 1 lb salmon fillet, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, making it a nutritious option for easy weeknight dinners.

I start by seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper then toss it in a flavorful blend of 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Adding 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger really brings that teriyaki kick.

After air frying until the bites are perfectly tender with crispy edges, I garnish them with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. I serve them over a bowl of rice with steamed broccoli for a balanced meal that fits right into my viral and healthy air fryer recipes lineup.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy and quick to make even when I’m in a rush. The salmon cooks perfectly in the air fryer and comes out soft and tender every time. I also really dig the flavor combo of the teriyaki sauce since its sweet and salty at the same time which makes the salmon taste amazing. It also comes out as a complete meal when I toss it with some rice and broccoli, so it’s not only tasty but also pretty wholesome. Lastly I like that I can cook it in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer which makes it really versatile.

Ingredients

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Salmon Fillet: Salmon is packed with protein and omega 3 fatty acids which is great for your heart and overall health.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This sauce adds a salty, umami kick that boosts the fish flavor without overdoing the salt.
Honey: Honey gives a natural sweetness that nicely counteracts the tangy vinegar making the marinade pop.
Rice Vinegar: It provides a tangy sour flavor that helps balance the richness of the salmon in the dish.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: These little seeds add a crunchy, nutty texture and extra color thats inviting.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb salmon fillet, skinless and cut into bite size pieces

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tbsp water (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)

1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, to help thicken the marinade)

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Cooked rice and steamed broccoli (for serving, if desired)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you are using the oven instead, preheat it to the same temperature.

2. Pat your salmon pieces dry and season them with a little salt and pepper.

3. In a bowl combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If your sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water and mix well.

4. If you’re using the cornstarch, stir it into the sauce now; it will help thicken things up during cooking.

5. Toss your salmon bites in the sauce until they’re well coated.

6. Arrange the salmon bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. (If you’re baking in the oven, line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread them out.)

7. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 7-9 minutes or in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and just starting to caramelize.

8. Once done, transfer your salmon bites to a bowl if you’re serving them over rice and steamed broccoli.

9. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the salmon, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions on top.

10. Enjoy your yummy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites with a side of rice and broccoli for a complete meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (or oven if u dont have an air fryer)
2. Air fryer basket or a baking tray lined with parchment paper
3. Mixing bowl for combining the marinade ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning the soy sauce, honey, and other liquid ingredients
5. Knife and cutting board to chop garlic, grate ginger, and cut the salmon fillet
6. A spoon or whisk to stir the marinade
7. Tongs or spatula to toss the salmon pieces in the marinade
8. Paper towels to pat the salmon dry

FAQ

What kind of salmon should I use?

Most folks use a fresh, skinless salmon fillet, but you can also use farmed salmon if that’s whats available.

How long do I marinate the salmon?

You really dont need to marinate too long, 15-20 minutes is plenty enough so the flavors absorb but the salmon doesn’t get too salty.

Can this be made ahead and reheated?

Its best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook it ahead and reheat quickly in the air fryer, the texture might be a bit different though.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flakey when cooked through, if its still a bit raw then it needs a bit more time.

Can I tweak the marinade to suit my taste?

Absolutely, feel free to adjust the soy sauce or honey amounts to get it sweeter or saltier depending on your liking.

What sides work well with these salmon bites?

They go amazing with a side of steamed broccoli and rice. They can also be enjoyed with a salad if you want something lighter.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Low sodium soy sauce: Try using coconut aminos if you’re looking for a gluten free alternative that still has a similar savory flavor.
Honey: You can substitute maple syrup or even agave nectar if you want a different kind of sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works pretty well as a tangy swap, though it may add a slightly fruitier note.
Cornstarch: If you’re out, a 1:1 replacement with arrowroot powder can give you the thickening effect you need.

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep all your salmon pieces about the same size so they cook evenly. Also, don’t cram them too close in the air fryer or oven because they need space to get nice and crisp.
2. Marinate the salmon for about 15-20 minutes if you can. This extra time helps the flavors soak in, but be careful not to leave it too long or the fish might start to break apart.
3. If you’re using the optional cornstarch, mix it really well into the marinade so you dont end up with clumps that might not coat the salmon properly.
4. When baking in the oven, remember to line your tray with parchment paper. It helps prevent the salmon from sticking and makes clean up so much easier.